History comes alive

Ron LiButti, dressed as a German Soldier, helps World War II-era American Soldier Marc England as he fires his M1919A4 machine gun while Frank Scholer, another German soldier, prepares to fire an MG-42 machine gun. The re-enactors and weapons were part of “D-Day Remembered,” a living history day sponsored by the 4th Infantry Division Museum and the Colorado Military Historical Group, June 7, 2014. (Photo by Andrea Stone)

By Andrea Stone

Mountaineer staff

It was a scene that couldn’t have been found on Normandy 70 years ago — German and American Soldiers leaning against an American jeep, chatting and laughing.

But at “D-Day Remembered,” a living history day at Fort Carson, June 7, 2014, spectators were treated to re-enactors dressed in World War II-era uniforms, toting World War II-era weapons. This was the first year for the event, which was put on by the 4th Infantry Division Museum and the Colorado Military Historical Group.

“We’re marking it as a major success,” said Scott Daubert, museum director. “For a first one, I couldn’t ask for a better event.”

The day’s activities included firepower demonstrations, vehicle displays and German and American encampments.

“Being an Army Family, I like to bring my kids to anything where they can see the importance of what Soldiers are doing, and see the history,” said Jaime Delier.

The Bumgarner family actually visited Normandy two years ago.

“I think about being on that beach with the machine guns firing. When it was low tide, it was a long way, and (they) were under fire the whole time. It really puts it into perspective,” said Jamey Bumgarner.

“It’s really cool,” said his son, 12-year-old Adam Bumgarner. “It’s really nice to know about history. When we were at Normandy … it was weird standing where people died. I can’t see how 18-, 19-, 20-year old men were running up on that beach.”

Cristina Lewis’ husband, a Soldier at Fort Carson, was at Normandy participating in D-Day anniversary events.

“I brought my kids because I wanted to be able to give them the historical background of what Daddy’s doing,” she said.